Verizon customers can now upgrade their iPhones annually

Verizon is rolling out a new payment plan for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, one that brings it into line with what other wireless carriers are offering.

The company will now let you trade in your old iPhone for a new one every single year. Its previous stance forced customers to pay off their entire phones in full before allowing them to upgrade.

Now, by letting customers upgrade yearly, Verizon has caught up to its rivals, Apple, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. But it's also facing a wave of price competition. T-Mobile is selling the new iPhone for $5 a month, so long as you trade in your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. Sprint is offering the new iPhone for as little as $1 a month in exchange for your old iPhone 6.

The carriers expect to make back some money by selling old phones on the used market. But they're also another sign of changes that are roiling the industry. Struggling Sprint has indicated its willingness to merge with a cable company, though it said it's had no discussions with any particular ones.

Combining with a cable company would offer advantages to both: The cable firm could expand into the wireless market as pay-TV subscribers turn into cord-cutters. And a deal would ease pressure on Sprint.

Translator

To read this article in one of Houston's most-spoken languages, click on the button below.